Symons is a patronymic surname of English origin, derived from the medieval given name Simon 1. The name Simon itself comes from the New Testament Greek form Σίμων (Simon), which is a variant of the Hebrew name שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimʿon), meaning "hearing, listening" and rooted in the Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (shamaʿ), "to hear" or "to listen".
As a patronymic, Symons typically signifies "son of Simon," parallel to other forms such as Simmons, Simms, and Simons. These variants emerged in England during the Middle Ages, when the personal name Simon was quite common due to the influence of Saint Simon Peter, the leading apostle (also known as Peter). After the Protestant Reformation, the use of Simon as a given name declined, but the surname and its variants persisted.
Notable Bearers
The Symons surname has been borne by a wide range of individuals in the fields of arts, entertainment, and education. Notable examples include English poet Arthur Symons (1865–1945), author Julian Symons (1912–1994), and Australian actress Emily Symons (born 1969). In academia, Benjamin Parsons Symons served as an academic administrator in 19th-century England.
- Meaning: Patronymic surname meaning "son of Simon"
- Origin: English, derived from the Hebrew name Shimʿon ("hearing")
- Type: Surname
- Usage Regions: Primarily England, spread to other English-speaking countries
Other Languages & Cultures
Sources: Wikipedia — Symons